How do I keep pests away from my garden?

• <div><p>There are a few ways to keep pesky bugs away from your garden. One option you have is to plant flowers so beneficial insects like ladybugs can control pests for you. A similar method is companion planting, which means you’ll grow vegetables that’ll discourage pests, like garlic, onions, and basil. The best pest prevention method will depend on the bugs you have issues with and the plants in your garden. </p></div>

Get matched with top pest control specialists in Shell Rock, IA

Q: What attracts fleas to humans?

• <div><p>Humans attract fleas with their body heat, the carbon dioxide (CO2) they exhale, body odors, and movement. Fleas love hiding in warm, dark places like hair and scalps, armpits, and groin areas. Fleas prefer to feed on pets and wildlife, but they do bite humans when other warm-blooded mammals aren&rsquo;t available. </p></div>

Q: Is fogging or spraying for mosquitoes better?

• <div><p>Spraying for mosquitos is better than fogging. A mosquito barrier spray is designed to linger on surfaces and kill mosquitos for up to three weeks, and repeated visits from your pest control pro can keep mosquitos out of your yard all season long. Fogging is a short-term fix that only works for about 72 hours and doesn't kill mosquito larvae or eggs. If you&rsquo;re concerned about the environment, a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/dryer-sheets-beer-diy-mosquito-control.htm">natural mosquito repellant</a> may be better than either fogging or spraying.</p></div>

Q: Are armadillos friendly animals?

• <div><p>Armadillos are not considered friendly animals. They are solitary and tend to avoid human interaction. While not aggressive, they can be shy and reclusive, often scurrying away when approached. Armadillos may carry diseases, so handling them is not advised. </p></div>

Q: What time of day do hawks hunt?

• <div><p>Some birds of prey, like owls, hunt at night. Hawks are diurnal and need good light to see their prey. You could see them circling anytime from dawn to dusk. Species like the common red-tailed hawk are most active in the early morning and late evening when their prey is also typically on the go.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Pest Control pros in Shell Rock, IA

*The Angi rating for Pest Control companies in Shell Rock, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Pest Control needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Pest Control companies in Shell Rock, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Pest Control needs.

Last update on May 14, 2025

Reviewed in May 2025
the cleaning is great amd reliable. They will also organize and offer to help on most projects they have an uncanny abaility to organize to make an space look better then when they started not afraid to tackle tough jobs we moved into house that sat empty for a while and thrilled to have back...
Kellis Clean Korners
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Reviewed in November 2024
Milledge Construction were prompt, professional and had the experience to deliver a top quality mitigation system to our home. Radon levels in our home were significantly reduced. I would recommend their mitigation system install to anyone.
Milledge Construction
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Reviewed in November 2022
Mike is quick, knowledgeable, friendly, and competitively priced. We had a carpenter ant problem, and it was cleared up after just a few treatments. Would recommend to anyone in the Cedar Falls or Waterloo, IA area!
HAWKEYE EXTERMINATING
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Reviewed in May 2022
We have used them for 2 years now for fall lawn cleanup. We are very happy with the service we received. They do excellent work, timely, with excellent communication. I would highly recommend their services
CustomPro Lawn Services
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Reviewed in October 2020
Surgeon was good, but nurses were judgmental and wouldn't give adequate medication to control my wife's pain. Also allowed her to have low blood pressure without treating it. Very dangerous and because of covid problem there is a lack of accountability. Very bad nursing care on the floor. Preop...
Sartori Memorial Hospital
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Reviewed in April 2017
Excellent! Would hire them for any pest issues.
Enviro-Pest Solutions LLC
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Reviewed in July 2012
I dismissed them. The technician, who came out, spent most of his time talking and the least amount of time doing anything and I had carpenter ants but he just did a general spraying. He sat and talked with my maid. They were expensive. I fired them because of the poor quality of service;...
Orkin Pest Control
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Reviewed in April 2012
I moved to my house 4 years ago and have neglected the lawn. Subsequently, I had completely lost control of it as it had creeping charlie, violets, dandelions, and thin spots all over. After checking Angie's List, I called Band Kand left a message asking for an estimate at my address. After...
B & K Lawn Care
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Find Pest control specialists in Shell Rock

TruGreen

3.7(

)

Serving Shell Rock, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1974

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"I need to have them come and look at my bedbug problem I care of the number is 3868"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Shell Rock, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2014

Free estimates

"I doubt that you can find any harder working people than Paul Dawson & his daughter of Ace Animal Control. We couldn't be any happier with them & their services. Long story short, the squirrels are gone & they can't get back in again. Thanks Ace ! Alan Schrank God Bless"

Response time2 days

Response rate97%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,688

)

Serving Shell Rock, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"United Air Temp was able to procure a replacement furnace controller board in a couple of days and Zachary was out within 4 days of the initial visit. The furnace now works very well."

Recommended by65%of homeowners

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Presto-X (St. Louis)

New to Angi

Serving Shell Rock, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1932

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Since 1932, Presto-X (formerly Anderson Pest Solutions) has been providing expert pest control services guided by the enduring principles of providing world class service to our customers and taking care of our colleagues. Presto-X covers your home or business with expert knowledge, professionally licensed and trained technicians, and exemplary service designed specifically for you.

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Pest Control questions, answered by experts

There are a few ways to keep pesky bugs away from your garden. One option you have is to plant flowers so beneficial insects like ladybugs can control pests for you. A similar method is companion planting, which means you’ll grow vegetables that’ll discourage pests, like garlic, onions, and basil. The best pest prevention method will depend on the bugs you have issues with and the plants in your garden.

Humans attract fleas with their body heat, the carbon dioxide (CO2) they exhale, body odors, and movement. Fleas love hiding in warm, dark places like hair and scalps, armpits, and groin areas. Fleas prefer to feed on pets and wildlife, but they do bite humans when other warm-blooded mammals aren’t available.

Spraying for mosquitos is better than fogging. A mosquito barrier spray is designed to linger on surfaces and kill mosquitos for up to three weeks, and repeated visits from your pest control pro can keep mosquitos out of your yard all season long. Fogging is a short-term fix that only works for about 72 hours and doesn't kill mosquito larvae or eggs. If you’re concerned about the environment, a natural mosquito repellant may be better than either fogging or spraying.

Armadillos are not considered friendly animals. They are solitary and tend to avoid human interaction. While not aggressive, they can be shy and reclusive, often scurrying away when approached. Armadillos may carry diseases, so handling them is not advised.

Some birds of prey, like owls, hunt at night. Hawks are diurnal and need good light to see their prey. You could see them circling anytime from dawn to dusk. Species like the common red-tailed hawk are most active in the early morning and late evening when their prey is also typically on the go.

The Shell Rock, IA homeowners’ guide to pest control services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Alison Kasch
•
Mar 17, 2026Mar 17, 2026
How Much Does Pest Control Cost? [2026 Data]
Whether you have bugs, bats, or rodents invading your home, you’ll want to contact an exterminator quickly. Find out how much pest control costs.
Chris Middleton
•
Mar 19, 2026Mar 19, 2026
14 Natural Remedies for Garden Pests
Want to keep the pests out of your garden? You don't have to call an exterminator. Read on for natural remedies for garden pests!
D.P. Taylor
•
May 22, 2026May 22, 2026
6 Easy Ways to Save Money on Pest Control
If you’ve noticed pests in your home, it’s time to take immediate action. But how can you prevent a huge bill? There are a few ways.
Alison Kasch
•
May 22, 2026May 22, 2026
A Beginner's Guide to Integrated Pest Management
Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, is an environmentally-conscious approach to pest control. Find out how to use this concept for the pests around your crops.
Carrie Circosta
•
May 22, 2026May 22, 2026
10 Common House and Yard Insects (and How to Identify Them)
Insects in your home? Learn how to identify 10 common pests, from silverfish to spiders, so you can plan for the right pest control solution.
Timothy Moore
•
Apr 8, 2026Apr 8, 2026
Should I Clean the House After Pest Control?
After extermination, you may wonder: Should I clean the house after pest control? It depends on the type of treatment. We’ll break down what you clean and when.